See What Inspires You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

See What Inspires You

Put dancing in the mirror back into your routine.

10
See What Inspires You
Pixabay

Have you ever watched a baby play in front of a mirror? If so, you know they are fascinated with the face looking back at them. The mirror helps them learn among other things, how to explore the wonderful things a face can do. More importantly what their face can do. Then eventually, they learn that the drooly face looking back at them is their own. Fast forward a few years and we watch kids with the same kind of amusement. They dance around and make silly faces giggling at their reflection till they can’t breath.

And then the strangest thing happened... Grab a mirror, right now. What do you notice about your reflection? I guarantee, like most people, your inner critic just hopped into the driver’s seat. Somewhere after the age of five, we let in a voice that wasn’t around when we were busy dancing in the mirror. Maybe it was high school or even college, but at some point this new guy found an open door and took a seat, waiting for his turn at the wheel.

But what has changed? When did we start shaming instead of celebrating?

Whatever it was caused us to point out every flaw, no matter how tiny, when we look in the mirror. My hairline is so weird. My pores are huge. My nail beds suck. I have really bad breath in the morning (yes, Mean Girls reference). And we could blame culture, or media, or our peers for opening this door in our head, but those things aren’t going to change. Media will bank off of their flawless photoshopping tomorrow and there’s nothing we can do about it. But what we can do is remember what we saw when we were five. A person; a real, strong, healthy, spirited person--not just someone with features.

When we were young, we saw personality and charisma in our reflection because we looked at ourselves as a person. And we didn’t see just any person, but a person we liked. Actually, a person we loved! So look again, what do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you recognize the person across from you? What do they want, what do they like? In an article posted on Bustle, they asked young, female success-superstars what the "essentials of their morning routine were and what inspires them when they look in the mirror." Check it out. What's my essentials in the morning? I get up to be fabulous -- also to get a Starbucks, of course!

Even though we may not be to their superstar status yet, there's no better time than now to start looking at yourself in a brighter light. We have so much to be inspired by from the face looking back at us. From now on when you look in the mirror each morning, choose to see a person who is growing, changing and determined to make each day better than the last. And when you do, you will see the reflection of someone so wonderful it shines in their eyes.

Peace, love and let's get back to dancing in the mirror.

xoxo
Andrea

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1340
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16221
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3393
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments